Businesses thriving thanks to flagship accelerator programme

More than 20 firms across Babergh and Mid Suffolk have teamed-up with the University of Essex to take part in a flagship accelerator programme, leading to business growth, with new products and services trialled and strategies developed.

Innovate to Elevate, jointly set up and funded by University of Essex and Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, with additional funds provided through the Governments Shared Prosperity Fund, has offered innovation support to businesses in the region across the last two years.

Nearly £200,000 has been invested in 21 different projects since the programme launched in 2022, with 23 academics from Essex Business School, School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering and School of Health and Social Care collaborating with firms to bring innovative ideas and solutions into practice, alongside 20 researchers recruited to support delivery of the projects.

Academics have supported businesses across a range of industries, including recycling, agritech, photography, health tech, law, architecture and sustainable manufacturing

More than 200 businesses expressed an interest in taking part in the programme since it launched.

Cllr Derek Davis, Babergh’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy, said: "It is exciting to see that so many of our businesses have embarked on a journey of growth thanks to the Innovate to Elevate programme.

"This programme has provided a unique opportunity for our businesses to gain access to extremely talented academics and research staff who in turn, have enabled them to bring their innovative ideas to life.

"The Innovate to Elevate scheme shows how serious Babergh is in encouraging growth within our economic strategy promoting the skills and training along with brilliant new ideas from our residents and business leaders."

Cllr Teresa Davis, Mid Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, added: "This incubation of talent and expertise is a prime example of what we wish to support to provide a fruitful bed for business to thrive.

"We very much look forward to our Skills and Innovation Centre broadening this type of initiative."

Holly Leonard, Acting Head of Business Engagement, said: "I’m proud that, working in partnership with Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, The University of Essex has supported a diverse range of businesses from across sectors to tackle challenges and take forward opportunities for growth through the Innovate to Elevate programme.

“The targeted nature of the programme, which focused on businesses from a relatively small area in Suffolk, meant we were able to be tailored with the offering, while giving the companies access to a really broad range of expertise and talent. The University plans to deliver more interventions of this type over the coming years with partners in the Eastern region, as it has proven to be such an effective way of supporting businesses with innovation."

The academics and businesses which have teamed up under the Innovate to Elevate programme include:

DementiaSim (Orbital)

Dr Mary Kennedy, from the School of Health and Social Care, supported the development of a new Proof of Concept platform which assists dementia carers.

The platform’s key function is to assist family members and carers by walking them through various commonly experienced scenarios when caring for someone with dementia. Orbital worked with Dr Kennedy to develop a deep understanding of the needs of carers and family members.

Hayden Allen-Vercoe, Chief Operating Officer at Orbital Global Group said: "I2E funding allowed us to bring our vision to life, but its success hinges on partnership. Dr. Mary Kennedy's expertise was essential in shaping a Proof of Concept that truly meets the needs of unpaid dementia carers.

This collaboration ensures our platform delivers real-world support. I2E is a fantastic programme for innovators needing to generate a proof of concept, with the assistance of world class academia”.

AgriSynth

Dr Vishwanathan Mohan, from the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, helped AgriSynth better understand existing liquid applicator/nozzle technology, highlighting the best applications available and companies to work with. The Innovate to Elevate programme has also helped AgriSynth unlock additional innovation funding.

Construction Training Services

Dr James Fowler, of Essex Business School, has devised a business and marketing strategy to assist Construction Training Services (CTS) to attract and retain new customers. He has developed a road map for the company to become the training centre of choice for the construction industry.